Inspiring, challenging, well written book. Ortberg weaves together humor, Scripture, and anecdotes to smoothly and effectively get his points across.

I love John Ortberg because his books have christian insight but also humor. This book was a fun take on the Dr. Seuss Classic The Places You Will Go, complete with biblical insight in the rhyming style made famous by Dr. Seuss. It was a fun and quick read.

Thought provoking

Well worth the time fo read! Our small group studied this book. We had great discussions when we got together.

I don't believe in soulmates. There are a number of reasons for this, but foremost among them is the fact that I believe that the human soul was made for God, and that right human relationships are simply reflections of that most important relationship. Since God, in His mercy, chooses to be faithful and loving when we don't deserve it, I believe I'm called to the same attitude. In other words, I don't get to say, "Oh hey, I'm not 100% happy with you all the time, so see you never."

And yet, I understand that the idea of having a soulmate is appealing. It's comforting to imagine there's something out there that will fit me perfectly, and all I have to do is find it. I understand this because that's how I've viewed my future profession for many years. I switched majors several times, kept freaking out about choosing, and often felt like a spiritual failure because I didn't know what God wanted me to do with my life. I assumed that once I found "the thing God had created me to do" I'd be peaceful, things would go smoothly, and I'd never be anxious about my future again, because after all, I was living within the Will of God.

Still, in the midst of all this searching and wrong thinking, I was aware that God was using my uncertainty and anxiety to teach me about His character- His love, His faithfulness, His sovereignty. He was teaching me (a lesson that I'm still learning) that He is the only true source of security in this life. He was showing me that He has amply provided me with the support and love that I need in Himself and the family and friends He's given me. In short, I was learning things that I would never have known if I'd decided on my dream career in high school, because if I'd had a solid plan I would have been able to trust my own abilities, rather than Him.


A year or two ago, I read Soul Keeping by this same author and LOVED it. One of the main ideas- that God cares more about your soul/your character than anything else- was present in this book, too, and really spoke to me on this issue. And I think that's why I ultimately decided to give this book four instead of five stars- not that it's an unimportant point to review, but because some chapters were more of a review of things I've heard before than new thoughts. Still, I highly recommend this book, especially if you're in a time of transition or uncertainty (and really, who isn't?) because this book is SO RELEVANT to the decision-making process, rooted in Scripture, and confidence-building. After all, since God uses hardships to shape our character, how can we be afraid of "failing" by human standards? And what could be more thrilling than the idea of living a life of constantly saying, "yes" to God, whatever He asks?


Oh yeah, and in case the title didn't give you a clue, there are little Suessical/Veggietales-esque poems sprinkled throughout the text, which were fun little extras. ;) Seriously, READ THIS BOOK!

This book took me basically my entire first year of graduate school to read. I started it within my first month here, and now I only have a couple weeks left. I was given it as a present for graduating college by my Grandma Flickinger. I read it in spurts, mostly when I was really stressed out and needed a break and felt like the book would help me get in a positive state of mind. It was sort of repetative, but it had some good insights and stories.

After receiving this book when I graduated with my Master's, I anticipated an inspirational, lighthearted book. While the language was rather lighthearted (and, I'll admit it, a bit corny at times), this book was packed with so many hard truths and grounded in Scripture. I highly, highly recommend this for anyone going through a transition, at a crossroads, or simply feeling "stuck" in life--and it makes a great gift, too!